Etzebeth sidelined for 6-8 weeks

Stormers lock Eben Etzebeth will miss the start of his team's Super Rugby campaign after being ruled out of action for six to eight weeks.

Stormers lock Eben Etzebeth will miss the start of his team's Super Rugby campaign after being ruled out of action for six to eight weeks.

Etzebeth limped off in the first half of team's 57-0 pre-season win over the Boland Cavaliers on Saturday and a subsequent scan revealed that he tore ligaments in his left ankle after landing awkwardly at a line-out.

The Springbok lock will be out of action for a minimum of six weeks.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee said: "It's unfortunate for the team and Eben, but like I said after the match yesterday injuries are part and parcel of the game.

"We are fortunate to have players in our squad who can step in and fill that role and that's our focus for now - to find a player to fill that No.4 lock role.

"At the same time, however, our medical team will also ensure that Eben recovers well and comes back strongly for the Stormers."

The Stormers have completed their pre-season playing schedule, after taking part in warm-up matches against the Cheetahs and Boland on February 2 and 9, respectively.

The 2011 and 2012 South African conference winners will open their 2013 Super Rugby season against the Bulls in Pretoria on Friday, February 22.